Google Wallet has launched in South Africa, making it easy for users to save and securely access their payment cards, loyalty cards and boarding passes in a move to foster digital adoption in the post-pandemic reality.

Cardholders of partner banks, including FirstRand Bank, Discovery Bank, Investec, Standard Bank, ABSA and Nedbank, can now add their details on the wallet, and make contactless payments using their android phones and Wear OS devices.

In a statement, Google South Africa Country Director, Alistair Mokoena, said: “Access to technology is vital for economic prosperity as millions of people use their mobile devices daily to tap and pay at stores, pay for public transportation and to utilize a variety of passes.”

He added: “At Google, we have learned that great things happen when technology works for everyone. By including everyone – a dynamic ecosystem of manufacturers, developers and users – we want to make digital wallets accessible to everyone through fast, secure access to their everyday essentials.”

The wallet also makes safer transactions possible. He explained: “Security and privacy are built into every part of Google Wallet, making payments safer and allowing people to transact seamlessly and with confidence throughout the day. This will allow users to make transactions using a virtual card number (a token).”

In addition to South Africa, Google Wallet also launched in Moldova, Qatar, Serbia, Azerbaijan and Iceland, making the product available in 45 countries.